Murray looked so composed and positionally sound in net. I think that will be critical against Nashville, where I expect them to bring a lot more traffic to the front of the net.

Selfishly, I want the Preds to win because of the PK fiasco, but I am confident that Pittsburgh will take it. Their D is great and all, but missing Johansson (who still isn't comparable to Sid and Malkin) will be too much for them. Plus Sid can take the next few days to get back to 100%. He looked great last night.
- DonnyG33

Sticking it to Montreal and Therrien over the PK fiasco would be entertaining for many around the league.

You sure it's not that Wingels snuck up behind you and whacked you in the head with an elbow? He didn't play last night so it could have been him...never know.
- NJPensfan

Anyone see Karlsson's post game comments?
What a class act.
I have nothing but respect for that guy.
Wise beyond his years.

- madmike71

I can watch that over and over.

The Pens really are an amazing team. Last night was a great example of why I want the Pens to bring Kunitz back for at least next year. He hadn't been scoring but he has still been a very effective presence no matter where he has played in the lineup.

I keep praying that we are going to hear that Letang has recovered 5 months ahead of schedule and is ready to play on Monday. I mean, just imagine having him on the ice instead of Hainsey....

After watching this series I am even more steadfast in my belief that when healthy, Letang is a better player than Karlsson. The Sens whole system is designed around protecting him. Letang can wheel and still get back to cover his defensive spot without the Pens having to run a trap. I miss watching him play.
- MacPatty

If what you took from that series was that the trap was designed to protect Karlsson...

- madmike71

That too.

If what you took from that series was that the trap was designed to protect Karlsson...

- DonnyG33

It protects him in the sense it allows him to free wheel on offence. I was not insinuating that Ottawa runs the trap because he is awful. He is still very talented and it is a smart strategy for Ottawa, but most defencemen dont have the luxury of being able to free wheel on the offensive side.

If what you took from that series was that the trap was designed to protect Karlsson...

- DonnyG33

I think if anything it restricts him a bit though he does seem to be the only player with the freedom to take chances...and rightfully so, he's a top 3 talent in the world. Imagine his production if was in a system like the Pens with their personnel...it wouldn't be that far fetched to think he would challenge for or win the scoring race.

Karlsson reminded me of how much I miss Letang those two guys are amazing.

Anybody else nervous as hell when Ryan had the pick, dude looked really good this series.

The Pens really are an amazing team. Last night was a great example of why I want the Pens to bring Kunitz back for at least next year. He hadn't been scoring but he has still been a very effective presence no matter where he has played in the lineup.

I keep praying that we are going to hear that Letang has recovered 5 months ahead of schedule and is ready to play on Monday. I mean, just imagine having him on the ice instead of Hainsey....

After watching this series I am even more steadfast in my belief that when healthy, Letang is a better player than Karlsson. The Sens whole system is designed around protecting him. Letang can wheel and still get back to cover his defensive spot without the Pens having to run a trap. I miss watching him play.
- MacPatty

It protects him in the sense it allows him to free wheel on offence. I was not insinuating that Ottawa runs the trap because he is awful. He is still very talented and it is a smart strategy for Ottawa, but most defencemen dont have the luxury of being able to free wheel on the offensive side.
- MacPatty

Most defensemen shouldn't, because most Defensemen aren't Karlsson, Burns, Hedman, Letang, Subban, Pietrangelo, etc... but the ones who CAN produce offense DO get free reign.. because they should. The system isn't designed to protect Karlsson in anyway lol, it's to get the most of the roster they have built. Boucher has run the 1-3-1 since Tampa. It's not a new system, and I doubt it was chosen specifically with Karlsson in mind.

I think if anything it restricts him a bit though he does seem to be the only player with the freedom to take chances...and rightfully so, he's a top 3 talent in the world. Imagine his production if was in a system like the Pens with their personnel...it wouldn't be that far fetched to think he would challenge for or win the scoring race.
- MattStrat

We tried running more offensive based systems, and yeah we scored more goals but never made it close to this far. As the other guy mentioned above, he is afforded that luxury because he's still able to get back and defend (like when Rust had a step on him and EK was at a dead stop).

I've heard many fans argue that he'd get triple digit points on another team, but I'd counter that a star studded personnel like Pittsburgh wouldn't afford him as many opportunities. Ottawa is so reliant on him that on more balanced teams, he wouldn't see as many favourable opportunities.

Of course, to spit in the face of my own logic, I'd say that Letang is a benefactor of playing for the Penguins, as he's not expected to carry the offensive load that Karlsson does, but still has the benefit of playing with elite talent. I still think he's a #1 defender on many teams, but he can't compare to EK.

Karlsson reminded me of how much I miss Letang those two guys are amazing.

Anybody else nervous as hell when Ryan had the pick, dude looked really good this series.
- Francois Leroux

I was definitely nervous when he had the puck...that OT winner in game 1 was embedded in my mind...

We tried running more offensive based systems, and yeah we scored more goals but never made it close to this far. As the other guy mentioned above, he is afforded that luxury because he's still able to get back and defend (like when Rust had a step on him and EK was at a dead stop).

I've heard many fans argue that he'd get triple digit points on another team, but I'd counter that a star studded personnel like Pittsburgh wouldn't afford him as many opportunities. Ottawa is so reliant on him that on more balanced teams, he wouldn't see as many favourable opportunities.

Of course, to spit in the face of my own logic, I'd say that Letang is a benefactor of playing for the Penguins, as he's not expected to carry the offensive load that Karlsson does, but still has the benefit of playing with elite talent. I still think he's a #1 defender on many teams, but he can't compare to EK.
- DonnyG33

Yep. Although, when healthy I don't think EK and Letang are THAT far off. I do think Karlsson is the best in the world. But Letang is in that next tier of elite, IMO.

Anyone notice on the game winning sequence, Shearys pass almost got picked off for a Sens breakaway?

Anyone notice on the game winning sequence, Shearys pass almost got picked off for a Sens breakaway?
- RoloTahmasee

Yep, but it didn't.

Anyone notice on the game winning sequence, Shearys pass almost got picked off for a Sens breakaway?
- RoloTahmasee

I noticed Sheary create a 2 on 1 from a zone exit and then a give and go with Kunitz that led to the first Pens goal.

Anybody else nervous as hell when Ryan had the pick, dude looked really good this series.
- Francois Leroux

Yup, the Pens should have traded down for him. lol


Seriously thou, he's pretty good. Plays like a butt wipe a lot. but always a solid top 6 winger none the less.

Yep. Although, when healthy I don't think EK and Letang are THAT far off. I do think Karlsson is the best in the world. But Letang is in that next tier of elite, IMO.
- j.boyd919

This is how I feel about those two too...though I will say we have never ever really seen Letangs full potential because he misses so much time every year. Missing time effects the games after you return too, sometimes for a nice while after returning.

I noticed Sheary create a 2 on 1 from a zone exit and then a give and go with Kunitz that led to the first Pens goal.
- Feds91Stammer

Yeah but, Tatar.

Yeah but, Tatar.
- Reverend Killtaker

dude is a beast.

Yeah but, Tatar.
- Reverend Killtaker

What about him?

Not a fan of guys in the top 20 in 5v5 goals over the past 3 seasons?

What about him?

Not a fan of guys in the top 20 in 5v5 goals over the past 3 seasons?
- Feds91Stammer

but...hes...Tatar.